Marine unit



June 16, 1925. 1,542,165

J. s. OECHSLE MARINE UNIT v Filed Aug. '7. 1924 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 June 16, 1925. 1,542,165

.1. s. OECHSLE IARINE UNI T Filed Ana. 7, 1924 Z-Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented June 16, 1925.

UN TED rs i aPa m-t" m mas; mama-me seam WH- Application tied au ust 7, 1924. Se'rlalJR'o. vsonse.

To all whom it ma comer n:

Be it known that I, Josnru's. Gnorxsnn a citizen of the United States, residihg Philadel hia, in the county of Philadelphia 5 and Sta e of Pennsylvania, have invented certain new and useful-Improvements in Marine Units, of whichthe "following is a sp cific tion. T s inventionrelat es to marine propulm sion and more particularly to power adapted for installation in light draft vessels, andcra ft' for use'inshallow waters, the primaryobject being to provide a self contained, one-man controllei motive organi- 15 zation of dependable character and increased elliciehcy as" com ared vpre veiling units of analog ou type.

Another object of tliisinvention is toutilize a standard type of "tractor engine devbidof its wheels and axfles'as a marine enme. I g Other objects associated with this invention are the provision of a marine unit of the foregoing type with a novel semiautomatic cbn't'rol mechanism;' to improve the engine cooling system; to provide a; rigid and stable ba'se for said u'nit whereby vibration' "is'to all practical intent eliminated; and to furnish amass unit adapted to 'op& 39 crate other utilities concurrently with, or independently of,propulsion. I

Accordingly 'Hfy present invention consists of the improyements hereinafter de-- scribed whereby the above specified objects and results are attained; said im rovements co prising certain structural eatures as as the'organizati'on and combination of parts which are fully set forthjhereinatter,

and more particularlydefined by the subjoined claims. f p In the furtheridisolosure ofthis invention reference will be had to the accompanying sheets of drawingsillustrative of an actual embodiment thereof, and in which like or 4 correspondingparts are designated by the same reference numerals throughout allthe views.

Figure 1is a perspective elevation of my novel marine unit as viewed from the rear.

Figure 2"- S a perspective side View th reof. v fli'igure 3== is an elevation of the unit as vi, mm the pp s g'e si ep h p a was;

F i ure 4is a detail front end elevation of t e engine and associated circulating pump.

igure 5 is a face view of a circulating connection hereinafter moreparticularly referrecl to; i i

Figure 6-is an edge'view of the same.

Figure 7is adetail side view' of a boxbearing later on fully explained.

Figure 8"is a view at'right angles to the preceding figure with a gland' meinber removed to better illustrate certain otherwise hidden'parts. I T

A re '9'is a detail plan view of the cir culating pump base support.

Figure 10is an elevation-of the same.

Fi re 11 isa detail view of acou'pling g-lan I a Figure -12-*is a view thereto; and

"Figure""13-is a detail view of a cam lever hereafter fullyex'plained. Referring more in detail to the drawings' and especially'to Figures 1 to'3, a conventional type of tractor enginefor example a Fordson is comprehensively designated by the numeral 13," and it will be'noted that said engine is supported on a basal framework :14 of standard, longitudinally disposed, sections 15 with inte" ally 82 lock-welded transverse sections 16' 0 like cross section; This basal framework 14 maybe bolted or otherwise mounted on the deckof a light draft vessel by means of lag screws-not"shown -with a minimum expenditure of time and labor, and it affords a stable support whereby vibrationis to all intententirely eliminated. The tractor engine l3 is laterally braced to the framework 14' by means of closure p1ates'l7 that take 95 the place of the usual rear-axle housings, and said plates have inc-lined standard-sec.- tion struts 18' welded thereto and remove ably connected atrtheir lower ends byvmeans' of-fianges 18 to the longitudinal frame sections '15 by bolts 19," or any "other convenient means. The front suspension 20 is removably attached by means of a bolt 21, to a vertical lug 22 of appropriate dimension to :rfit snugly therein, and said lug is '5 ct welded to the upper :flang'e of the orward ltransverse section 116 afbresaid," or id. s spe cn may be c am ed, t9 th tfiwsvflm b am W w th esteem of appropriate are; pag semestesi m- 1m at right I angles lllfi larly the rear end of the engine 1 is rigidly braced against lateral displacement by means of opposedly configured vertical lugs 23 spot welded to the upper flange of the rear transverse section 16, and said lugs are positioned to snugly abut the main drive journal housing 2% as will be clearly under stood on an examination of Figures 1-3. In like manner. though not essentially so, the engine may be further braced by a transverse saddle plate welded intermediate the sections 16 and adapted for bolting attachment to the body flanges Referring now to the manner of connecting up my marine unit to the propeller shalt-mot shownit will be firstly observed that I provide the above referred to main drive journal housing 24 with a novel type of thrust bearing closure comprising a main section 26 of rectangular configuration. This main section is clamped to the engine 13 by stud bolts 2?, where the previously removed drawbar attachment was formerly located. and said section is formed with an integral boxbearing Q8. The bearing :28 serves as a stalling-box for the connecting shaft 29 splined into the engine transmission and provided at its outer end with a coupling 30 to which the propeller shattnot shownis connected in any of the well known ways. In order to prevent seepage of oil and grease beyond the bearing 28, I devised a packing devise-comprehensively designated ill and best shown in Figures 7 and 8ot removable character and adapted for easy connection and disconnection without displacing the coupling 30 and associated parts. This device 31, it will be seen comprises a gland 82 adjust able by means of stud bolts 33 relative to the thrust searing 26, and an arcuate removable top 34 for said hearing, the same being attached in place by three stud bolts 35. Thus it will be readily seen that by removing the bolts and loosening the gland 32, the latter can he slid ontward on the connecting shaft and the stulting-box 28 paclred or repaclted-as desired. and by a reversal of the operations ust set forth the hearing is readily re-adjusted.

Referring again to the framework 14, I desire it to be particularly noted that the longitudinal sections 15 have their webs appropriately apertured to accommodate the transverse sections 16, while said latter sections protrude beyond the outer faces of the longitudinals suflicient to permit electric welding on both sides with a heavv fillet as indicated at 16. This manner of integrally uniting the longitudinals 16 and horizontals 15 ensures a lock-joint which is at least twice as strong as the ordinary angle-filleted rivet joint. 7 i

In order to equip my novel marine unit with an ellicient circulating system whereby it may run cool at all times I firstly remove the ordinary radiator and tan customarily associated in tractors of the type before referred to, and in place thereof I install a small rotary pump, comprehensively designated by the numeral as. To mount and equip this pump 36 to ensure best results. I employ a base support 3T--Figures 9 and l0-having holes 'lStherein adapted to regis ter with the customary holes in the front motor support 39,and to which it is rigidly clamped by bolts +l(lat water inlet 41 to the cylinder casting. This base support 37. as best shown in Figure 4serves as a mounting for the rotary pump 36 which is driven by a reduction gearing il-2 direct from the engine shaft 43, as will be readily understood by anyone conversant with the art. It will also be observed that the base support 37 is formed with an embossi'nent 4-1 to which a bilge or suction connectionnot shown-is attached, as well as a pipe nipple 45, for one end oli an elbowed pipe 46-having an interposed adjusting union l7in cormnunication with the inlet side of the pump 36. To a'llord an outflow or exhaust for the waters of circulation T make use of a plate atSFigures 5 and 6secured to the ordinary water outlet 4.0 in the cylin der head 50 by means of studs or bolts passed through holes 51 in said plate. This plate 48 is also provided with a nipple 52 tor an outboard pipe connection to the boats hull in any convenient location. Thus it will be readily understood that water is constantly circulated through the pump 36 into the engine cylinder jackets, and exhausted out through the pipe 53, whereby I am enabled to keep the engine 13 and immediately associated parts much cooler than has been possible heretofore with a combined radiator and fan.

Rc'terring now to the mechanism operative to control and shift the gear where speed change and rewrse, r uslern. propulsion obtains. l attach a lever :11- to the customary steering wheel rod 5: said wheel having been previously renioved--that is provided at its lower end with a l:lll(?l'('0ll1)l( 56 (Figure 2) etlcctive to turn an elhowed shaft 57 at the left-hand side oi the engine. This shaft 57 ordinarily conne'ts with the steering mechanisn': tor the trout wheels of the tractor engine, but I pivotally couple said shaft by llltlXlS of a link 58 to the gear shifter 59. declared transversely ot the engine 13. and conveniently attacluul to the top of the transmission casing by means ol one or more stud bolts (30 is a plate bar 61 having an enlargement B2 apertured at 63 For passage therethrough of the upper end of the gear shifter 59: and said aperture 62 is formed with an inwardly directed undulation 64: for a purpose hereafter fully explained. The plate bar 61 is provided at.

- bend said lever slightly upwards for pivotal connection at68 of a link 69 in turn 'ivotally connected to the o crating lever O, fulcrumed at 71 to the sic of the tank and steering column support 72, as will be I readily seen from an examination of the drawings. Laterally directed from and adjustably connected by locknuts 73 to the aforesaid link 58 is one end of a rod 7 4, in turn pivoted at 75 to a cam lever 76, fulcrumedto the end of the gplate bar 61 at 7 6" and the "lower end whereof is outwardly curved at 77 relative to the vertical, for a purposehereafter-explained; and said cam (H in the plate bar 61. Now when ,it is de sired to reverse or travel astern allthc attendant has to do lS'lZO simpl throw the clutch lever 67 full-over or downwards by depressing the operating lever 70 to its full extent. This latter movement, it Will'be seen, causes the clutch lever 67 to cooperate with and ride upon thecoutwardly curved end 77 of the cam lever 76 thereby exerting a push to theright-hand upon the rod 7 4, which effects a correlatedfmovement of the link '58 and gear shifter 59, whereupon the latter will be instantly looked inthe notch at the right handrof the undulationfi l, upon a swing to the left handof the lever 54. Obviously a vice versa sequence of motions \villautomatically restore the en'ine 13 to the ahead directional drive. urthermore, it will be readily understood that if found desirable the a, rtnre 63 :may be provided withother note es to lock :the engine at half-speed ahead and astern, or at any other predetermined rates ofspeed. "Incidentally, and as will be clearly apparent to those acquainted with the art,,by providing the lever 54, with appropriate flexible and universal connections -.to the wheel house the pilotor captainmay C0 1 troland manoeuvre his boatequipped with my novel marine unit, without an attendant below deck with elimination ofthccustomary signalling device orspeaking tube, whereby a boat fitted :withrstiid unit 'lsp-rens dared absolutely iool-preof and made one man navigable, i

From the foregoing vdescription it thought that the numerousadvantages and obvious, utility ,of my. novel marine unit will be fully appreciated without further explanatory 'inatter, but it is desired briefly to mention some of the more important ones.

For example,v,greater power due to the gear reduction; a simplified control that is foolproof; economy in use due to the readiness with which worn or damaged parts can be readily replaced anywhere; and the elimination of vibration due to the lock welded frame and quiet mechanical operation.

lVhile I have shown and described an actual embodimentof this inventionwhich ha'swithstood severe tests, it will'be obvious the same is susceptible of detail changes, and

varied aggroupment of the correlated mechanisms without departing from thetrue spirit of said invention. Accordingly, the right is hereby reserved to make all such changes and. modifications as fairly fall within the scope of the subjoincd claims.

Having described my invention, what I claim is a V '1. In a marine unit the combination of a basalfiframework of lock-Welded standard sections, a tractor, engine removably supported thereon, means for laterally bracing said engine to the framework, means driven direct from the engine shaft to ,maintain a continuous cooling circulation thereabout, control mechanism operative by a single manipulating elemcntefiective to lock the engine at any desired directional speed, and means whereby the propeller shaft may be repacked without dismantling the coupling connection. i

2. In a marine unit the combination of a basal framework of lock welded I-beam sections,,a tractor engine removably supported thereon, means for laterally bracing said engine to the framework,means driven direct from the engine shaft to maintain a continuous cooling circulation there-about, control mechanism operative by a single manipulating element effective to lock the engine at any desired directional speed, an l means whereby the propeller shaft may be repacked without dismantling the coupling connection. 7 5

3. In a marine unit the combination of a basal framework of lock-welded Lbeam longitudinals and horizontals, a tractor engine removably supported thereon, means for laterally bracing said engine to the framework, means driven direct from the engine shaft to maintain a continuous cooling circulation thereabout, control mechanism 0 erative by asi ngle manipulating ele ment e t ective to 'lock the engine at any de sired directional speed, and means whereby the, ropeller shaft maybe repacked withputlsmantling the coupling connection.

4;; II! a marine unit the combination of a fit) basal framework of lock welded I-beam sections, a tractor removably supported thereon, means for laterally bracing said engine and rigidly securing the same on the framew .rk, means driven direct from the engine shaft to maintain a continuous cooling circulation thereatfiout, control mechanism operative by a single manipulating element etfective to autonratically lock the engine at any desired directional speed, and means whereby the propeller shaft may be repacked without dismantling the coupling connection.

5. In a marine unit the combination of basal framework of lock welded I-heain sections, a tractor removably supported thereon, means for laterally bracing said engine and rigidly securing the same on the framework, a reduction drive direct from the engine shaft to a rotary pump for circulating fresh cooling medium continuously thereabont, control mechanism operative by a single manipulating element effective to automatically lock the engine at any desired directional speed, and means whereby the propeller shaft may be repaclzed without dismantling the coupling connection.

6. In a marine unit the combination of a basal framework of lock welded I-beam sections, a tractor removably supported there on, means for laterally bracing said engine and rigidly securing the same on the framework, a reduction drive direct from the engine shaft to a rotary pump mounted on the radiator support with supply and exhaust connections whereby fresh water is continuously circulated through the cooling system. control mechanism operative by a single manipulating element effective to automatically lock the engine at any desired directional speed, and means whereby the pro pcllcr shaft may be repacked without dis mantling the coupling connection.

'7. In a marine unit the combination of a basal framework of lock welded I-beam sections, a tractor removably supported therc on, means for laterally bracing said engine and rigidly securing the same on the framework. a reduction gear direct from the engine shaft to a rotary pump mounted on the radiator support, a supply connection through said pump to the engine water inlet and an exhaust connection from the cylinder outlet whereby fresh water is continuously circulated through the cooling system, control mechanism operative by a single manipulating element effective to antomatically lock the engine at any desired directional speed, and means whereby the propeller shaft may be repacked without dismantling the coupling connection.

8. In a marine unit the combination of a basal framework of lock welded I-beam sections, a tractor engine rcmovably supported thereon, means for laterally bracing said engine and rigidly securing the same on the framework, n'ieans driven direct from the e1 rinc shaft to maintain a continuously fresh cooling circulation thereabout, control mecbanisn'i operative by a single Xi'liIDlPlllating element effective to automatically lock the engine in ahead or astcrn directional speeds, and means whereby the propeller shaft mar be repacked without dismantling the coupling connection.

9. In a marine unit the combination of a basal framework of lock welded I-beam sections, a tractor engine rcmovably supported thereon, means for laterally bracing said engine and rigidly securing the same on the fran'icwork, means driven direct from the engine shaft to maintain a continuously fresh cooling circulation thereabout, unitary control mechanism operable at a distance for auton'iatically locking the engine at full speed ahead or astern directional drive, and means whereby the propeller shaft may be repacked without dismantling the coupling connection.

10. In a marine unit the combination of a basal framework of lock welded I-beam sections, a tractor engine rcmovably supported thereon, means for laterally bracing said engine and rigidly securing the same on the framework, means driven direct from the engine shaft to maintain a continuously fresh cooling circulation thereabout, means operative from the engine steering wheel shaft to move the engine gear shifter, means coordinated with the clutch actuator, manually operable means effective to throw the clutch simultaneously with a change in the gear drive, and means to automatically lock the gear shifter in any desired directional drive.

11. In a marine unit the combination of a basal framework of lock welded I-beam sections, a tractor engine removably supported thereon, means for laterally bracing said engine and rigidly securing the same on the framework, means driven direct from the engine shaft to maintain a continuously fresh cooling circulation thereabout. a miter couple operable by the engine steering-wheel shaft coordinated with the gear shifter, a connection from the gear shifter means to an oscillatable cam lever, manually operable means coordinated with the clutch actuator adapted to rock the cam lever and effect simultaneous movement of the gear shifter, and means to automatically lock the gear shifter in any desired directional drive.

12. In a marine unit the combination of a basal framework of lock welded I-bcam sections, a tractor engine removably supported thereon, means for laterally-bracing said engine and rigidly securing the same on the framework, means driven direct from the engine shaft to maintain a continuously fresh cooling circulation thereahout, a miter ill :wheelsha spring influenced connection from manually operable means coondinated with the clutch. actuator adaptedto rock the cam lever and e ect sim ultaneous movement of the gear shifter, and means to automatically lock the gear. shifter in any desired direc-.

tional drive.

13. In a marine unit the combination of a basal framework of lock welded I-heaan sec-- tions, a tractor engine removably supported thereon, means for laterall bracing said engine and rigidly securing t e same on the framework, means driven direct from the engine shaft to maintain a continuously fresh cooling circulation thereabout, a miter couple from the engine steering wheel shaft to an elbowed member connected by a link to the gear shifter, a spring influenced connectionfrom said link to an oscillatable cam lever, an elbowed extension from the clutch actuator cooperative with the cam lever and adapted to rock the same, and a manually operable linkage arranged to move the clutch actuator whereby the gear shifter is simultaneously operated, and means to automatically lock said shifter for any desired directional drive.

14. In a marine unit the combination of a basal framework of lock welded I-beam sec tions, a tractor engine removably supported thereon, means for laterally bracing said engine and rigidly securing the same on the framework, means driven direct from the engine shaft to maintain a continuously fresh cooling circulation thereabout, a miter couple from the engine steering wheel shaft to an elbowed member connected by a link to the gear shifter, a spring influenced connection from said link to an oscillatable cam lever, an elbowed extension from the clutch actuator cooperative with the cam lever and adapted to rock the same, and a manually operable linkage arranged to move the clutch actuator whereby the gear shifter is simultaneously operated, and a slotted platebar having undulations to automatically lock the gear shifter for any desired directional drive.

15. In a marine unit the combination of a basal framework of lock welded I-beam sections, a tractor engine removably supported thereon, means for laterally bracing said engine and rigidly securing the same on the framework, means driven direct from the engine shaft to maintain a continuously fresh cooling circulation thereabout, a miter couple from the engine steering wheel shaft to an elbowed member connected by a link to the gear shifter, a spring influenced connection from said link to an oscillatable cam lever, an elbowed extension from the clutch actuator cooperative with the cam lever and adapted to rock the same, and-5a manually operable linkage arranged to move the clutch actuator whereby the gear shifter is simultaneously operated, and an apertured plate bar having an undulation' adapted to automatically lock the gear shifter; in high speed for ahead propulsion and in reverse for astern movement. I M V 16. In a n1a1-ineunit the combination of a basal framework of lock welded; I-beam sections, a tractor engine removably sup portedgthereon, means for laterally bracing said. engine and. rigidly securing; the same on the framework, means directly actuated bythe engine shaft for continuously circulating fresh cooling water about the engine, a propeller shaft take-off splined into the engine transmission, and a bearing therefor capable of repacking without dismantling the shaft coupling.

17. In a marine unit the combination of a basal framework of lock welded I-beam sections, a tractor engine removably supported thereon, means for laterally bracing said engine and rigidly securing the same on the framework, means directly actuated by the engine shaft for continuously circulating fresh cooling water about the engine, a propeller shaft take-off splined into the engine transmission, and a bearing therefor having a removable arcuated top whereby said hearing may be repacked without dismantling the shaft coupling.

18. In a marine unit of the type described, the combination of one-man control mechanism effective to automatically lock said unit with any desired directional drive, said mechanism comprising means operative from the engine steering wheel shaft to move the engine gear shifter, means coordinated with the clutch actuator, manually operable means effective to throw the clutch simultaneously with a change in the gear drive.

19. In a marine unit of the type described, the combination of one-man control mechanism effective to automatically lock said unit with any desired directional drive, said mechanism comprising a miter couple operable by the englne steering Wheel shaft coordinated with the gear shifter, a connection from the gear shifter means to an os cillatable cam lever, manually operable means coordinated with the clutch actuator adapted to rock the cam lever and effect simultaneous movement of the gear shifter.

20. In a marine unit of the type described, the combination of one-man control mechanism effective to automatically lock said unit with any desired directional drive, said mechanism comprising a miter couple from the engine steering wheel shaft to an elbowed member connected by a link to the gear shifter, a spring influenced connection from said link to an oscillatable cam lever, an elbowed extension from the clutch actu- Ill ator cooperative with the cam lever and adapted to rock the same, and a manually operable linkage arranged to move the clutch actuator whereby the gear shifter is simultaneously operated.

21. In a marine unit of the type described, the combination of one-man control mechanism effective to automatically lock said unit with any desired directional drive, said mechanism comprising a miter couple from the engine steering wheel shaft to an elbowed member connected by a link to the gear shifter, a spring influenced connection from said link to an oscillatable cam lever,

an elbowed extension from the clutch actuator cooperative with the cam lever and adapted to rock the same, and a manually operable linkage arranged to move the clutch actuator whereby the gear shifter is simul taneously operated, and an apertured plate bar having an undulation adapted to automatically lock the gear shifter in high or reverse drive for the purpose specified.

In testimony whereof I afiix my signature the 31st day of July, 1924, at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

JOSEPH S. OECHSLE. 

